ATTRACTIONS

The Teribe Indigenous Cultural Association is working to strengthen their tourism and promote their culture. Located just a few miles from the Térraba River and Pan-American Highway, Térraba provides many opportunities to experience the environment, try traditional food, and get to know the warm and welcoming people of Térraba.

The cultural association, founded in the early 1990s, has partnered with a professional adventure travel company to offer rafting and rappelling on the Térraba River and in the tributaries. The scenic mountain area offers the opportunity to view nature and wildlife while hiking through the countryside. Tours can be arranged to visit the sacred sites. Many of the waterfalls have natural pools at the bottom.

Brothers Koasqui and Joumer Rivera play near the shore of the Térraba River. Jumping in the river is a great way to cool off under the hot Costa Rican sun.

Jumping in the Térraba River is a great way to cool off under the hot Costa Rican sun

Rappelling is one of the many options that tourists can participate in.

A Térraba teenager prepares to raft the Térraba River.

A group prepares to embark on a white water rafting trip on the Térraba River. Certified guides lead adventure excursions.

Just a short drive away, volcanic rocks and mountain views surround the scenic beaches of Manuel Antonio.

The Térraba Community Museum (Museo Comunitario Indígena Térraba) has a library of more than 1,000 volumes on indigenous struggles around the world. It is so extensive that scholars regularly visit the museum to use those resources.

The symbol of Madre Tjer is carved into a rock at the base of one of the local tributaries. It represents the close relationship that the Térraba maintain with the Earth.

The Tiger’s Paw is a large stone near the top of one of the local mountains revered by the people of Térraba. The mark, in the shape of a feline paw print, represents strength and courage.

Enrique Rivera Rivera touches one of the stone spheres in Las Bolas. No one knows how the perfect, symmetrical rocks formed and arrived to their current locations, but the Térraba find energy and strength in their mystery.

The Térraba hike up to waterfalls that form natural pools at the bottom. Water represents life for the community.

The Térraba community is nestled within the Talamanca mountain range. At every turn, the Térraba can see the majestic mountains in the distance.

Located only an hour from the Pacific Ocean, Térraba is a convenient trip for both local and major beaches on the west coast of Costa Rica. Around the same time that the cultural association was founded, the group began building a library and museum to document the history of the community. The Térraba have populated their library to reflect their right to be free and autonomous. The small library has more than a thousand works on the struggles of indigenous communities around the world. Professors and historians visit and value the collection for its depth.

ACCOMMODATIONS

There are several options for accommodations within the town or in a more secluded location. Térraba recently received part of a grant from the United Nations for the construction of a guesthouse.

Located away from the town on preserved land, the Cucuyan resort (Área Conservación y Albergue Cucuyan) allows travelers to have their own space and escape from the modern world. There is fresh water flowing from the river, a kitchen, and a natural pool just 50 meters from the house. The house, built in the traditional Térraba style, is a great option for the rustic traveler.

For those looking for a more cultural experience, there are several options within the town, where meals are included. Several community members rent out their homes or offer dedicated guesthouses. Térraba is a very warm and welcoming town. However, visitors need to arrange for a guide in advance. See the contact page for more information.